Mansfield charity joins MP’s to celebrate their good work

Chad Reporter

Mansfield charity, Jigsaw Support Scheme joined MPs at a Parliamentary event this month hosted by the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales and Lloyds Banking Group.

The event, celebrated the work of 62 small and medium charities supported by the Foundation that help to improve the life chances and choices of older people.

Over the last two years the Foundation has invested £37.5m in 1654 charities across England and Wales for its Community Programme of which 1.7m was targeted at 86 charities to directly support older people. In addition, 15 projects working with older people who were facing financial difficulties were awarded a further £2.1m worth of funding as part of the Foundation’s Issue Based Programme.

Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Chair of the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales said: “There are over 10.3 million people aged over 65 in the UK and it is predicted that by 2030 this will increase to 16 million. This growing elderly population presents a challenge for charities that support older people, many who suffer from multiple disadvantages due to poverty, isolation, marginalisation and poor physical and mental health. The Foundation is proud to work with these charities which strive to improve older people’s life choices and chances.”

Speaking at the event was Sir Win Bischoff, Chairman of Lloyds Banking Group: “The Foundation has been a significant part of Lloyds Banking Group’s history and will continue to play a significant part in our future. One of the unique features of the Foundation, which sets it apart from so many others, is its commitment to provide core funding, which, I know, is of great help to these charities, especially in the current economic climate.”

Cate Bones, Befriending Coordinator at Jigsaw Support Scheme, said: “The event has been an excellent opportunity for charities and MPs to come together and talk about the work they are doing to support older people. The grant from the Foundation has been fundamental in helping us to continue and expand our vital work.”

The Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales supports charities that help disadvantaged people to play a fuller role in the community. Local or regional charities with an income up to £1 million and national charities with an income up to £5 million can find out more about the funding criteria and grant programmes at www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk.